WP7 – Common risk detection and management strategies

Ostreopsis blooms represent a relevant risk not only for the environment, but also for people using the coast both for recreational and economic purposes. The public opinion should be made aware about the risks associated with potentially toxic microalgal blooms, with a proper communication strategy, aiming to giving a correct information while avoiding scaremongering. The goal of this action is the redaction of a complete manual containing practical information about algal blooms, guidelines for planning and organizing a monitoring program, instructions for correct risk management, communication strategies and concrete advice will be drafted.

The participation of the different parties involved is essential for the establishment of a risk management plan Ostreopsis bloom really concrete and operative. This sharing process will take place through the Open Group tool that involves the different potential stakeholders: the regional and/or national environmental protection agencies, coastal municipalities, marine protected areas, and the end users of the coast like diving centres, fishermen associations, offshore fish farms, touristic and bathing establishments, local newspapers. The “Open Group” will have the task to validate the guidelines and the other outputs of the project.

The final guidelines will be spread through the network of partner, which will collaborate closely with a wide range of local stakeholders, in order to disseminate project outputs and to inform the public about the real risks and about useful prevention activities. In order to optimize this, will be implemented a communication plan to involve the different categories of stakeholder, and to define the proper messages, instruments, targets for everyone.

Disclamers

This website has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union under the ENPI CBC Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme. The contents of this website are the sole responsibility of the steering committee of M3-HABs project and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union or of the Programme’s management structures.

About the Programme

The 2007-2013 ENPI CBC Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme is a multilateral Cross-Border Cooperation initiative funded by the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI). The Programme objective is to promote the sustainable and harmonious cooperation process at the Mediterranean Basin level by dealing with the common challenges and enhancing its endogenous potential. It finances cooperation projects as a contribution to the economic, social, environmental and cultural development of the Mediterranean region. The following 14 countries participate in the Programme: Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Palestine, Portugal, Spain, Syria (participation currently suspended), Tunisia. The Joint Managing Authority (JMA) is the Autonomous Region of Sardinia (Italy). Official Programme languages are Arabic, English and French (www.enpicbcmed.eu).